There’s a Placenta in Your Kitchen???
Placenta encapsulation is the act of putting dehydrated placenta into capsules to be ingested by the mother. Placentophagy is the act of eating the placenta. Since many people find this idea distasteful, encapsulation is a much more palatable way to get the benefits. The Buddha Belly Difference Each Buddha Belly placenta client receives their own…
Birth Plans & Your Unpredictable Birth
We love helping our clients figure out and come up with their birth plans. It’s a great opportunity to learn about all of the options and variations that can come up in labor and birth and what you would prefer. One of the hardest things we deal with as laboring and birthing people is accepting…
Hospital Bag Checklist
“What should I bring to the hospital?” Here are some ideas. A few items on the list will also be provided by your hospital (blankets, pillow, shampoo, soap, etc) but if you prefer your own toiletries and want to feel more at home we suggest you bring these items with you. Download a copy of this checklist here. Labor…
Interview With an Overnight Newborn Care Specialist
Postpartum doula, Marisa Seegraves specializes in overnight newborn care. She has been taking care of families as a nanny and doula for more than 12 years. How do you help families get more sleep? As a postpartum doula one of my main goals is to help families get more sleep. During an overnight shift I care for…
Three Common Medical Newborn Procedures
Part of our practice as doulas and childbirth educators is to discuss procedures that happen during or after birth. Three common ones involve your newborn baby. They are erythromycin eye ointment, vitamin K injection and hepatitis B vaccine. Erythromycin eye ointment This is an antibiotic ointment that goes into your baby’s eyes right after birth,…
Interview With a Postpartum Doula
Rebecca Towner and her two children, Photo courtesy of Pure Bloom Photography. Buddha Belly postpartum doula, Rebecca Towner, answers questions about her role in supporting families: What does a postpartum doula do? A postpartum doula wears a lot of hats. She is there to provide emotional, practical and educational support for your family during this…
Sex After Childbirth
Intimacy and sex after childbirth can be a source of concern or relationship tension for new parents. While this topic may seem taboo to some, it’s helpful to keep some factors in mind. Your midwife or doctor will likely recommend refraining from sex until at least six weeks postpartum whether you had a vaginal birth…
The Boo Hoo Breakfast Recipe
My oldest starts kindergarten tomorrow. On this momentous occasion, I’d like to offer a recipe of sorts. Have you heard of the Boo Hoo Breakfast? This is when parents gather together at a diner or coffeehouse to commiserate and commemorate one of their babies heading off to school. Who wants to join us? The Boo Hoo…
My Breast Wishes
A new mother shared her breastfeeding struggles with me this week. Her baby is three months old and she has tried every position without being comfortable. As we worked together on how to nurse upright in her ring sling, I was reminded of my first nursling, born almost six years ago. In honor of World…
A Floridian Mom’s Tips for Disney with Kids
I worked at Magic Kingdom in my late teens and it was my favorite job, aside from being a doula. I worked in a special section called “Glow.” We sold the light up toys at night during the parades. Each night I wore a different costume, based on where in the park I was working,…
The Many Uses of a Yoga Ball (updated July 2022)
A yoga or exercise ball is a great tool to have in your home during your pregnancy, labor and beyond. Due to the many helpful ways you can use a yoga ball, it really is a worthy and smart investment. When choosing a ball be sure to get the appropriate size based on your height.…
Overnight Newborn Care
“Last night was amazing! I was able to let go and really fall into a deep sleep. I feel almost human again! My doula was amazing.” Erin Sharpe, Buddha Belly client. Did you know that Buddha Belly postpartum doulas can provide overnight newborn care in your house? It’s true! If you’re like most of our clients, sleep…